For weeks, ABC’s new hit cooking competition show, “The Taste,” has been heating up with 16 contestants vying for the chance to win a $100,000 cash prize by creating, presenting and wowing judges one bite at a time.

Among the seasoned culinary geniuses the contestants have to impress are TV personality and chef Anthony Bourdain, British food star Nigella Lawson, expert chef and author Ludo Lefebvre and local pioneering restaurateur Brian Malarkey.

As the 8-week competition comes to an end, local celebrity chef Malarkey invites San Diego viewers to celebrate the finale with him at Herringbone in La Jolla for a can’t-miss finale party on March 12. The event will feature drink specials starting at 7 p.m., sumptuous bite-sized tastes and a screening of the final show.

The event is free and open to the public. Simply stop by Herringbone, located at 7837 Herschel Ave. Call (858) 459-0221 or visit www.herringboneeats.com for more information.